Data & Society Research Institute is seeking a dynamic and energetic applied researcher to provide monitoring, research, and analytical support to the Disinformation Action Lab (DAL).

About the Senior Research Analyst, Disinformation Action Lab
The Sr. Research Analyst for the Disinformation Action Lab (SRA-DAL) will be responsible for leading the curriculum development for the Project on Data Integrity (PDI), which supports civil rights groups in understanding and countering the problem of disinformation. The SRA-DAL will also provide spot research and analysis based on requests from key partner organizations. The SRA-DAL will further conduct online monitoring and analysis of sites and communities that develop or amplify problematic information. The researcher will work with the Project Lead to develop and execute a monitoring plan—in conjunction with partners—for tracking and categorizing examples of problematic content and provide regular analytical briefs on key topics.

The ideal candidate loves shaping and conducting applied research and developing practical guidance documents and hands-on workshops to ensure the research makes a difference. This is not a role for someone who enjoys the protocols of academia. Rather, it’s a role for someone who enjoys leading and shaping a body of practical research that helps solve public problems and build the capacity of key organizations.

The candidate will have deep expertise in the problem of disinformation—the actors, their ideologies, and their tactics—and the ability to write about it clearly and concisely on short deadlines. They are excited about shaping a newly created role within a fast-moving team and are a natural leader who prioritizes learning and iteration over perfectionism. They enjoy thinking strategically about what is needed for research to be useful, relevant, and accessible.

The Senior Research Analyst role is a full-time, exempt position, and reports directly to the Project Lead for DAL.

Responsibilities

Lead the curriculum development for PDI. Draft case studies and topical briefs.

Provide research and analysis based on requests from civil rights groups.

Work with Project Lead to turn research and analysis into practical guidance documents and support engagement activities.

Work with Project Lead to develop and execute a monitoring plan with key partner organizations.

Qualifications

A minimum of eight years of experience in a nonprofit, government, or philanthropy, and/or university conducting applied research.

Masters or equivalent expertise in humanities, social sciences, or public policy.

Experience in a leadership role in organizational research planning and implementation process.

Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, as well as workflow and project management tools like Asana.

Competencies

Expertise in the problem of disinformation—specific actor groups and tactics

Strong policy analysis and research skills

Superior communication skills

Strong writing and editorial skills

Strong project management and organizational skills

Self-motivated, independent, quick learner

Effective diplomatic skills, good judgment, and discretion

Ability to remain calm under pressure and help others to stay calm as well

Practical Considerations

You must be eligible to work in the United States. Data & Society is unable to sponsor visas at this time.

You will be offered a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid time off (PTO), and paid holidays.

Salary: $70K – 90K (Commensurate to experience)

To apply, please submit the following materials here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Cover letter explaining why you are right for this role and your interest in working with Data & Society. Please include three professional references (name, title, email address, and the nature of your professional relationship).

CV

Please feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions about the position. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.

About Data & Society
The issues that Data & Society seeks to address are complex. The same innovative technologies and sociotechnical practices that are reconfiguring society—enabling novel modes of interaction, new opportunities for knowledge, and disruptive business paradigms—can be abused to invade people’s privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, and harm individuals and communities.

To provide frameworks that can help society address emergent tensions, Data & Society is committed to identifying thorny issues at the intersection of technology and society, providing and encouraging research that can ground informed, evidence-based public debates, and building a network of researchers and practitioners who can anticipate issues and offer insight and direction.

Data & Society’s programs bring together different perspectives, research methods, and practices. We weave together researchers, entrepreneurs, activists, policy creators, journalists, geeks, and public intellectuals. We see tremendous reciprocal benefits for network building and research when they are combined.

The work and well-being of Data & Society are strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We are committed to making certain that a wide array of perspectives are heard and that our research is publicly available. We welcome applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community, and persons with disabilities.